Brinkerhoff Home Foundation could disband, president says

The Brinkerhoff Home Foundation, which has maintained the Victorian brick mansion at 1500 N. Fifth St. since the 1970s, may have done its job too well, its president says.

In a letter sent to foundation members earlier this week, the foundation board reported that Benedictine University at Springfield intends to take over control of the house, which it owns, and use the restored first floor for offices and meeting space.

The decision could mean the end of the foundation, said John Bucari, its president.

Were still trying to wrap our minds around what were going to do, he said.

But Benedictine marketing and communications manager Scott McCullar said Wednesday the university intends to use only one-third of the first floor two west parlors for offices. The school wants the home to remain available for tours, weddings and other special events.

The living room and library wont be used by Benedictine, he said. The dining room would be used as a conference room and multipurpose space, but will be kept intact and historically preserved.

Were very appreciative of the Brinkerhoff Foundation and what theyve done, McCullar said. We hope we can cooperatively work together. We certainly didnt want to see the end of the foundation.

Campus jewel

He said he hopes people touring the home still will be able to see the two parlor rooms, too.

We want to keep it open for public view, he said. It is the jewel of the campus.

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Brinkerhoff Home Foundation could disband, president says